The number of people signing on the Live Register dropped by 2,300 last month, new figures have revealed.

Central Statistics Office (CSO) data for January 2014, released today, shows that there was a monthly decrease of 2,300 - reducing the total to 400,700.

The numbers represent a fall of nearly 30,000 over the past year.

The standardised unemployment rate (SUR) in January 2014 was 12.3%, down from 12.4% the previous month.

The number of long term claimants on the Live Register in January 2014 was 181,326.

There were 9,653 less men on the long term list over the course of 2013 and January 2014, a drop of -7.2%.

But 1,122 women were added, an increase of 2% - meaning the overall decrease was -4.5%.

Just over half (54.6%) of claimants, numbering 218,304, were on the short term list last month. This is a drop of -1.2% from the same time last year.

Meanwhile, casual and part-time workers made up just over a fifth (20.3%) of the Live Register in January.

Chambers Ireland said that while the numbers on the Live Register continue to drop, they need to fall at a quicker pace.

Sean Murphy, Chambers Ireland Deputy Chief Executive, said: "The number of people on the Live Register continues to drop every month and now stands at the lowest in over four years.

"While there is no doubt that this is positive news, if we continue at this pace, then the level of unemployment in this country will remain at unacceptably high levels for years to come."

"We have consistently supported the Government’s view that it cannot create jobs; however, it must do everything in its power to create the best conditions for job creation.

"Driving down the cost of doing business to allow companies to employ the staff they need to grow and prosper rather than spending excessive amounts of money on commercial rates, taxes and levies is key.

"The Government can also play a major role in ensuring that the skilled workers required by businesses are available.

"In this way, we can further reduce unemployment and secure the subsequent economic benefits for all."